Brenda A. (Parker) Zahel

Brenda Ann Parker Zahel (Sosa), age 77, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 7, 2020, after a lengthy illness. 

She was born to Cecil and Hattie Mae Parker, October 22, 1942, in Bedford, IN.  She was a member of the Margaretta High School class of 1960, and excelled in the art of the “Jitterbug”.  Brenda married her high school sweetheart, Wally Sosa and had five children; Lori Mathews, FL, Jeffrey (Melody) Sosa, Bellevue; Brian Sosa, New London, Debra (Kenny) Hill, Bidwell, and Tricia Weaver, Castalia; and currently 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

She was an early student of fitness guru Jack LaLanne, crazy about Elvis and loved Jesus Christ and was a member of Wayside Temple, Castalia.  For many years Brenda was employed as a custodian at Margaretta High School, pioneering the way for woman to participate in that occupation.  Later, during the early 80’s she packed up her tent, moved to southern Ohio to attend Rio Grande Community College where she received an Associate’s degree in Administrative Secretarial Science in 1985 and eventually returning to her beloved hometown of Castalia and taking a position at then, Firelands Community Hospital as an Operator and Registrar.  Then, in 1987, she met Francis “Toney” Zahel and they were married on July 11.  That event expanded the family to include; Rita (Larry) Cobb, Huron, Sherrie Zahel, Suzi (John) Winkel, Castalia, Mark (Susie Burns) Zahel, AZ, Mike (Nampeung) Zahel, Sandusky, Kent (Nora) Zahel, Castalia, Kevin (Michele) Zahel, London, OH, and Teresa (Joe) Steager, Canal Winchester, OH; 25 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, for a grand total of 12 children, 33 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Brenda also leaves to cherish her memory, siblings; Donita (John) Lawhorn, Arlene Sue Herholz, and Cecil Parker Jr., along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Hattie Mae Parker, children Sherrie Zahel and Teresa Steager; and sister Valarie Markley.

Private family services will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia.  Pastor Harvey Studer will officiate.  Burial will take place at a later date in Castalia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank the staff at Providence Care Center, Firelands Regional Medical Center, and Stein Hospice Services, for their professionalism and care, especially during this time of uncertainty.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda A. (Parker) Zahel, please visit our floral store.